The Czech National Bank published updated statistics on fake banknotes and coins seized in 2025, reporting 9,036 items, almost 55% more than in 2024, with imitations of various currencies accounting for most of the increase. Imitations totalled 7,354 items (7,337 banknotes and 17 coins). Seizures also included 1,646 counterfeit banknotes and coins and 36 altered items, comprising 429 counterfeit Czech banknotes with a face value of almost CZK 568,000, 208 counterfeit Czech twenty-koruna coins worth CZK 4,160, 911 counterfeit foreign banknotes and 98 counterfeit foreign coins, plus 34 altered Czech items and two altered foreign ones. The most frequently counterfeited Czech denominations were CZK 2,000 (102) and CZK 1,000 (100), and most counterfeits were seized by the police; foreign counterfeits were most commonly euros and US dollars and were mostly rated at grades 2 and 3 on the security scale.
Czech National Bank 2026-03-02
Czech National Bank reports 55% rise in seized fake banknotes and coins in 2025 driven by imitations
The Czech National Bank reported a 55% increase in seized fake banknotes and coins in 2025, totaling 9,036 items. The rise was primarily due to imitations, which accounted for 7,354 items, while counterfeit and altered items included 429 Czech banknotes and 208 coins. Most foreign counterfeits were euros and US dollars, predominantly rated at security grades 2 and 3.